{"id":344969,"date":"2026-04-04T06:38:04","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=344969"},"modified":"2026-04-04T06:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T06:38:04","slug":"lessons-gained-residing-in-london-as-an-imperial-scholar-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/youjustlive.com\/?p=344969","title":{"rendered":"Lessons Gained Residing in London as an Imperial Scholar"},"content":{"rendered":"

Authored by Emilio (Spain), MSc in Applied Mathematics<\/em><\/p>\n

Choosing to relocate from a rural island in Spain to the largest city in Europe felt overwhelming. Nevertheless, the last 18 months in London have turned out to be the most rewarding and thrilling of my existence.<\/p>\n

London is a lively, multicultural, historic metropolis replete with a variety of restaurants, happenings, and attractions \u2013 discovery here always turns into an adventure! However, adjusting to life in a foreign country can pose challenges. Here are some insights I gathered as an international student migrating to London, along with advice on what to pursue after you settle in.<\/p>\n

Relocating to London as a postgraduate student<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The initial step in transitioning to London is securing the ideal place to call your own. I turned to Instagram, TikTok, and online discussion boards to investigate different neighborhoods in the city. Camden Town is renowned for its nightlife, Hackney is a burgeoning area in east London, and Putney is a tranquil, green residential choice.<\/p>\n

I was lucky enough to visit London prior to commencing my Master\u2019s, which allowed me to personally explore these neighborhoods before choosing Putney. My flatmates (who I met during my undergraduate studies) and I utilized accommodation platforms such as SpareRoom and Rightmove to search for budget-friendly house shares, arranged virtual viewings with landlords, and ultimately secured a lovely flat close to Putney Heath.<\/p>\n

Activities in London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019re acclimated, a plethora of opportunities and events awaits you \u2013 the challenge is deciding which experiences to partake in and fitting them all into your schedule!<\/p>\n

Imperial\u2019s South Kensington Campus is situated in the Albertopolis area, a district that celebrates art, manufacturing, and science. Nearby, you\u2019ll find exceptional museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A Museum. These museums are fantastic to explore, with some remaining open late on Fridays. On the final Friday of every month, the V&A hosts a V&A Late, transforming the museum into a vibrant event featuring drinks and live music!<\/p>\n

In addition to museums, I relish discovering East London neighborhoods like Canary Wharf, Hackney, and Isle of Dogs. This region is brimming with historical and artistic attractions, making it an excellent locale for wandering. My favorite location is Trinity Buoy Wharf, built on the site of an old canning warehouse, now home to a startup innovating temporary structures from shipping containers. It celebrates creative manufacturing and includes art studios, including the original lighthouse lab where Michael Faraday conducted his work!<\/p>\n

Dining out in London<\/strong><\/h3>\n

London boasts great deals if you know where to search, with numerous options for budget-friendly yet scrumptious meals. During my time in the city, I\u2019ve gathered a list of eateries offering various discounts throughout London, which makes dining out easier on the wallet.<\/p>\n

One such venue is in South Kensington, where Wright Brothers features an Oyster Happy Hour, offering oysters for just \u00a31 each! It\u2019s an excellent deal, especially if you\u2019re craving familiar seafood flavors from home.<\/p>\n

Tooting in South London is also celebrated for its culinary scene. Tooting Market and Tooting Broadway Market are expansive indoor street food hubs showcasing a wide range of cuisines. If you\u2019re in search of food that evokes memories of home, I highly suggest exploring the culinary offerings in the Tooting markets!<\/p>\n

Taking a break from the city<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the urban life in London is delightful, there are moments when the Tube gets too noisy or the streets overly congested. Luckily, London is well-connected by trains and coaches, enabling easy escapes from the city for a weekend getaway.<\/p>\n

My preferred destinations are Surrey and Kent. Canterbury is a stunning medieval town in southern England, rich in history and friendly to students. In Surrey, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) boasts a vast botanical garden in Wisley, ideal for a summer outing.<\/p>\n

In summary, London is a dynamic city filled with opportunities and places to visit, so take your time exploring all that it offers while you\u2019re at Imperial!<\/p>\n

To learn more about my adventures, <\/em><\/strong>read my Imperial story. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n